AI


How AI supports a human- centred approach to care


Sudha Regmi, director of data and AI at Nourish, explains how AI can be used sensitively and responsibly in residential care settings to enhance – not replace – the human touch


Today, anyone can experience the power of AI at the press of a button, thanks to apps such as ChatGPT that enable us to get tasks done quickly and efficiently; but what does AI mean for residential care? Caregiving is and always will be a human


experience, but AI is playing an increasingly important role because it can analyse data fast, search for patterns, and provide information that helps carers make better decisions for residents in a care home setting. Caregivers are well trained, and based on


their knowledge and experience, they can spot and track any potential complications or upcoming health challenges regarding those in their care; however, AI can do a lot of the heavy lifting by suggesting things for review, adding nudges, and then combining these data points to provide a holistic view of a resident, therefore shouldering some of the cognitive load. Let us take hydration as an example.


We know from existing research that older people are more susceptible to dehydration than the younger population, and this can have an impact on multiple systems, such as skin health (potentially causing wounds), kidney functions, and the risk of falling. AI can monitor daily routine care data and alert carers if any of the home residents are at risk of dehydration.


Similarly, it can look out for factors such as a change in mood and flag any anomalies so that carers can look out for residents whose mood has dipped.


In addition to analysing notes made within the care home setting to identify patterns, AI can search for outside research, findings, and other trusted guidelines.


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It is not about replacing the human touch; it is about enhancing it


Regarding falls, for example, AI can combine data from gait analysis sensors, along with health and care patterns (hydration, food, comorbidity) and demographics (age, gender) as well as other relevant factors, to predict the risk of falls for individual residents. If you are 95, you do not care that an


app saves time because the carer does not have to write copious notes or that it gives them access to your GP records, lists your medications, and makes suggestions. Your concern is that you are safe, well looked after, and receive the best care to suit your needs. Because AI collects data about your health, diet, how much you have been drinking, how many visits you have had from family members, etc, it will notice changes. Perhaps you have had fewer visits from your daughter and as a result, are a bit depressed. It will spot the fact that you are eating and drinking less. As a result, it can alert care teams that there is a danger you might dehydrated and therefore more likely to fall or develop a urine infection.


At 95, it will make a big difference to


you if the care team has put in measures to get you to drink more and, as a result, avoid health problems that might lead to hospitalisation.


It means that the care team can be


responsive to your needs at any given moment and that will impact your quality of life.


It is this commitment to person-centred care that guides our approach to AI implementation at Nourish. It is not about replacing the human touch; it is about enhancing it. AI is the virtual equivalent of many extra pairs of hands and ears for caregivers, providing alerts and insights that help ensure the best possible care for each resident. It is about more than efficiency gains, but rather about improving care quality.


AI as a tool for care managers Registered care managers have so much to think about daily – compliance, team issues, training, etc. AI can make their job easier, ensuring they have a fully skilled team in the right place at the right time. It can ensure that a care manager has rostering and scheduling that meets the needs of all residents.


It can also help identify potential www.thecarehomeenvironment.com May 2025


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